Javi Martínez has been a core part of Bayern Munich since joining the German powerhouse in the summer of 2012. While he was initially brought in as a defensive midfielder, Martínez’s appearances have been coming more consistently as a centre-back. In fact, he’s only played one full match as a defensive midfielder this season. Martínez has done well to help support and admittedly contribute to Bayerns injuries across their back line. While Martínez has featured in less than half their matches, his abilities both defensively and on the ball make him a great option for Hansi Flick, Bayern’s manager.
This tactical analysis scout report provides an analysis of how Javi Martínez fits into Flick’s tactics at Bayern Munich. At 31 years of age, Martínez has contributed to Bayern’s four-point lead over their rivals, Borussia Dortmund, at the top of the Bundesliga table.
Defensive anticipation
Javi Martínez isn’t necessarily the fastest player on the pitch, which will be highlighted later, but his ability to anticipate attacking movements allows him to remain effective as a centre-back. While this may come through instinct or, after a review of match footage, his ability to properly predict what will occur allows him to gain an advantage on opponents. The first example comes against Borussia Dortmund.
As Benjamin Pavard, marked in green, stepped up to defend the pass, Martínez, marked in black, recognised the space that Pavard left open. As soon as Pavard left, Martínez took his first step in that direction. Simultaneously, Mario Götze, Dortmund’s attacker, ran towards that space. Because he anticipated this movement, Martínez was able to effectively prevent Götze from crossing the ball, defending him well to force a corner. Instead of having to react, his proactive thinking allowed him to prevent a potential cross.
Martínez’s anticipation later allowed him to slow down Julian Brandt when the Borussia Dortmund midfielder was attempting to counterattack. As Brandt dribbled down the centre of the pitch, Martínez stepped up to slow him down. When Martínez was close enough to Brandt, Brandt got the ball off of his foot. What happened next is the anticipation that makes Martínez so successful.
